Reviewing a Premises Licence

Procedure for reviewing a Premises Licence

Residents or businesses living/operating "in the vicinty" of licensed premises, or bodies such as the police, EHO etc may apply to the Council where the premises are situated, to review a Licence, if the operation of premises does not promote the licensing objectives.

An application for review may, for example, be brought by a resident who lives next door to a pub, which causes disturbance by playing music too loudly. Complaints leading to a valid review may include noise issues, disturbance and public nuisance.

Submitting a review application

The process of applying for a review is a fairly straightforward, but the applicant must be prepared to attend a Committee hearing to explain their problems in more detail.

An applicant for review must complete a review form. A link to a review form can be found below:-

Review form (PDF)

Once completed, the application for review must be submitted to the Council, together with any supporting evidence. The review application must also be served on the Responsible Authorities and the Premises Licence holder. The Council may assist with notifying these bodies where the applicant for review is a resident.

Once a review has been submitted, the Council will post notices at the premises advertising the application for review and inviting views of other residents/businesses nearby, within 28 days. At the end of this consultation period, a review hearing will be arranged before the Licensing Sub-Committee within 20 working days (in theory). All parties will then be invited to attend the review hearing to put forward their views.

At the end of the hearing, the Committee has a wide range of powers ranging from taking no action to revoking the Licence. The Premises Licence holder may appeal against the decision to the Magistrates Court within 21 days and an appeal suspends the decision of the Committee.

Representation and advice relating to reviews

Subject to agreement in respect of our fees and there being no conflict with our existing clients, we will be happy to assist with the preparation of review papers and advocacy at review hearings.

We also represent Premises Licence holders who are facing a review of their Licence.

Contact us on 0161 237 9961 for further advice

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